I received a copy of JJ Birden's book, When Opportunity Knocks, in the mail recently.

I've always been a Birden fan. I was a prep sportswriter for The Oregonian when he burst onto the scene at Lakeridge High School.

Birden could fly, it seemed. Thirty-two years later, he still ranks No. 5 on the Oregon prep, big-school list in the 110-meter hurdles, No. 6 in the long jump and No. 5 in the triple jump.

JJ Birden pictured playing for Kansas City.

He was a tough, if undersized football player. How tough? He went to Oregon on a track scholarship and talked his way onto the UO football team. After starring for the Ducks as a 157-pound receiver, Birden had the hands, the guts and the sheer will to play nine seasons in the NFL.

Birden's book is about motivation and values. He obviously has plenty of both.

He learned from his mom, who worked long hours as a welder to support the family. He spent hours on the bus in transit from North Portland to Lake Oswego so he could attend Lakeridge and participate in the Pacers' athletic program and partake of the educational opportunities. He excelled academically.

After he and his wife, Raina, had three children of their own, they took in five nieces and nephews who suddenly needed a home.